Irrespective of the kind of vehicle you own, you cannot run it on the road legally without a valid driving license (DL). Not only does it give you the authority to drive on the road but it also acts as a measurement that qualifies you to drive a vehicle on the road to protect traffic safety. Speaking of its definition, a driving license (DL) acts as a document of identification for the vehicle owner. Furthermore, every vehicle owner must protect their driving license thoroughly to avoid any legal complications.
In the unfortunate event of losing or having a DL stolen, it becomes illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid license in the country, which will lead to heavy traffic challans. Therefore, it is important to apply for a duplicate Driving License in such circumstances.
But now the question arises- How to get a duplicate DL if it’s lost? Well, this is pretty simple! Firstly, you will need to contact the RTO (Regional Transport Office) from where your original DL was issued. Fortunately, some RTOs even provide online facilities to apply for a duplicate DL to make the process convenient.
Let’s understand the steps. But before that, it’s time to understand under what circumstances you are eligible to apply for a duplicate DL.
Who can Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in India?
Here is the list of the circumstances under which you can apply for a duplicate DL in India.
- Loss of a driving License
If you are one of those individuals who have misplaced or lost their original driver’s license can apply for a duplicate license.
- Replacement Due to Destruction or Photograph Replacement
Secondly, if the driver’s license is damaged or destroyed or your DL’s photo has completely vanished, then you can apply for a duplicate DL in such cases.
- Expired DL
If you are an individual whose driving license has expired, then you can apply for a duplicate to enjoy your driving.
- Update of Personal Details
If you are one of the individuals who need to update personal details on their driver’s license such as a change of address or name, then you can apply for a duplicate one with the updated information.
- Issuance of RTO/RTA in Absence of the Original License
Lastly, if you are among individuals who do not possess their original driving license and require the RTO to issue a duplicate one.
What To Do If You Lose Your Driving License?
If you have lost your driving license, then the following are the things that you should do in the first step. Let’s discuss them in detail!
- Visit the Police Station
In the first place, you will need to pause all your work and go to the police station as early as possible. Then, complain about the lost license and ensure you obtain a copy of the first information report (FIR) from the police.
- Obtain Affidavit from Notary Office
In the next step, you will need to visit a Notary Office to obtain an affidavit on a stamped paper. The affidavit will serve as a legal document stating that you have sworn on oath before the relevant authority regarding the loss of your license. Ensure you provide all the personal details and information about the lost driving license to the notary public or the designated officer.
- Retain Copies
In the final step, you will need to keep copies of both the FIR from the police station and the affidavit obtained from the Notray office for your records and further proceedings.
Note: Confirm that the affidavit is duly signed and stamped by the authorized officer. Otherwise, it will not be valid.
How To Get a Duplicate Driving License?
If you are looking to know the steps to get a duplicate DL, then the following are the steps that you need to follow. Let’s first discuss the online method.
Step 1: Visit the official website of Parivahan.gov.in. Ensure you go to the official website only. Avoid getting a license via third-party websites.
Step 2: After that, you need to hover your cursor over the “Online Services” tab. Then, click on “Driving License Related Services”.
Step 3: In the next step, you will need to select your state name from the drop-down list. Then, a pop-up will appear “Contactless License Services”, close it immediately.
Step 4: Then, you will need to locate “Apply for Duplicate DL” in the pink colour button. Click on it. After that, you will see the stages, read them properly and scroll down to click on the ‘continue’ button.
Step 5: After that, you will need to enter your driver’s license number, date of birth, and captcha code. Then, you must click the checkbox “I accept to have read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for processing of my personal data into the system”. Once you are done entering every detail, click on the “Proceed” button.
Step 6: In the next step, you are required to upload the FIR copy, old license (if it’s torn) and other documents and then pay the minimum fee to get a duplicate DL. Ensure you accept a receipt from the RTO which can be used as a temporary DL till a new license is used.
Step 7: In the final step, the RTO will dispatch your duplicate DL via speed post & you will get it delivered to your current residential address within 2 weeks.
Offline Method:
If you are not interested in getting the duplicated DL via the online method or you face difficulties in getting it, then you can consider the offline method. Here are the steps mentioned below.
- Visit the RTO Office
In the first step, you will need to simply head to the RTO office and proceed to the enquiry counter.
- Collect Application Form
After that, you will need to request and collect the application form for a duplicate driving license from the enquiry counter. Ensure you fill out the application form with accurate details. Ensure you double-check it.
- Submit Documents
In the next step, you will need to submit the completed application form along with the required documents at the Driving License Branch within the RTO office.
- Biometric Process
After that, you are required to proceed to the Biometrics section where your photo will be captured, and a thumbprint will be taken for the authentication process. Once everything is processed, the assistant RTO officer will inform you about the expected delivery time.
- Payment of Fees
Ensure you pay the specified fee of Rs. 400/- for the new driving license or smart card as per the guidelines provided by the RTO.
- Receipt of Duplicate License
In the last step, after the completion of the process and payment, your duplicate driving licence will be delivered to your doorstep within the stipulated time frame.
Documents Required to Get a Duplicate Driving License
If you want to obtain a duplicate DL, then there is a complete list of documents that you may need to produce and submit to the RTO office. Let’s take a look at them.
- Application Form (for intimation of Loss or destruction of DL & application of new duplicate DL)
- FIR (In case if it’s stolen or lost)
- Original License (If it’s torn, mutilated, or soiled state)
- Attested photocopies of original driver’s license
- Details of the driving license
- Passport-sized photographs (4-5)
- Address proof documents
- Challan clearance report (for which a separate application and submission are required. This indicates that the person didn’t have any unpaid debts or tickets related to the questioned driver’s licence.)
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you don’t need to retake the driving exam to apply for a duplicate driving license.
Yes, the duplicate driver’s license is valid for use when operating a vehicle on the road and fulfils the same functions as the original one.
Yes, you should first submit an FIR at the nearest police station if your original driver’s license is lost or stolen. Remember that a copy of FIR is required in order to get a duplicate driving license.
